BMW Z4 (2010 and older)

Description:The Z4 is BMW’s two-seat coupe and roadster that evolved from the Z3. The Z4 is a 2-door, 2-passenger luxury sports car, or convertible sports car, available in 3 trims, ranging from the sDrive30i to the sDrive35is.

The sDrive30i is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 255-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. The sDrive35is is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 335-horsepower direct injection twin-turbo engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway.

"We discovered that the great thing about the chassis changes is that once you get in the zone and start pushing up to the absolute limit, the car doesn't prematurely back away from the action with early stability control intervention. The Z4 simply gets on with the job... "

Strengths:Dynamic handling, superfast gear changes with dual-clutch transmission, power that makes you drive stupid, and hardtop convertible when you get tired of having the sun on your face and wind in your hair.

Weaknesses:The price of luxury and performance at this level ain't cheap. Must be a light traveler. Be prepared to be the center of attention no matter what color you choose.

Summary:Ride quality of the 2nd generation Z4 is greatly improved over the 1st gen. Ride is much less stiff and transitions well in the turns. Steering is more precise than a master sushi chef armed with a Ginzu knife. Don't feel that BMW sold out because the 35is only comes with the 7-sp automatic. The dual-clutch transmission is lightning fast with the gear changes and the downshift rev-matching maintains a smooth power flow under braking maneuvers.

BMW is a true driver's car. The electronic nannies don't interfere when you are having fun. Getting the car to drift is easy with all the power underneath your right foot. Only when things get truly out of control do the traction and stability controls kick in to keep the tail tucked nicely in place.

Summary:One of the most enjoyable cars I've owned. Lose the run flat tires and the ride / noise improves dramatically....make sure to invest in an emergency tire repair kit! I thought that I would miss a manual transmission, but in stop and go traffic, the automatic comes in handy.